The lights will be installed by Lao Lao Bay Golf Resort, a long time partner and contributor of the KKA. Lao Lao Resort currently employs many local Kagman residents, and also donates to KKA for community events.
Lao Lao Bay Golf Resort Manager Ruel Matlagas is in charge of finalizing the solar lighting plans with the Department of Public Works. According to Torres, the lighting should be installed in a couple of months.
The lights were made possible by the office of former Congresswoman Rosemond Santos, as well as Senator Pete Reyes, who continued to work on the project shortly before Santos left office.
Aside from the solar lighting, KKA has also been pushing to prioritize further infrastructure development in Kagman. These include public sidewalks and the roads in Kagman 3 and 4.
Once the solar lights are installed, power will no longer be required from the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation.
On behalf of the Kagman residents and the KKA, Torres noted, “We hope that other villages start looking into renewable energy… There will be no cost to taxpayers to turn on the lighting, unlike other basketball court lights which are powered by CUC’s grid… This project will really benefit the youth in Kagman who have been requesting to install lighting at Kagman 3 Basketball Court. There are times when the youth still want to play into the night, but there are no lights. This will keep the residents busy and healthy. It will have a positive effect on juvenile delinquency as well.”
